With Love from Russia

The Russian Seasons in Bahrain officially started earlier this week with an extraordinary concert by the Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra, led by Artistic and General Director Valery Gergiev, staged at the Bahrain National Theatre.

The event, which was attended by Dr Ramzan bin Abdulla Al Noaimi, Minister of Information, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities (Baca), Olga Lyubimova, Russian Minister of Culture and several diplomatic and cultural figures, coincided with the 35^th anniversary of Bahrain-Russia diplomatic relations and was a highlight of the 19th Spring of Culture Festival.

The Russian Seasons, organised by the Russian Ministry of Culture in collaboration with Baca, is part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2024 during His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s historic visit to Russia.

“This remarkable cultural initiative exemplifies the strong and enduring cooperation between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Russian Federation,” said Shaikh Khalifa, “It builds upon last November's milestone event, Bahrain’s Cultural Days in Moscow, which offered the Russian audience an insightful glimpse into Bahrain’s rich history, culture, and achievements.”

The Bahrain’s Cultural Days in Moscow, which was in November 2024, included the inauguration of the Treasures of Bahrain: The Art of Gold Crafting Through the Ages exhibition at the State Historical Museum.

This exhibition, running until February of this year, showcases the evolution of Bahraini goldsmithing, tracing its journey from the Tylos period over 2000 years ago through the Islamic era and into the modern age.

Shaikh Khalifa also stressed the pivotal role of culture in promoting mutual understanding and civilizational openness, reiterating the Authority’s dedication to positioning Bahrain as a global hub for culture and the arts.

The Russian Minister of Culture echoed similar sentiments. She said: “We are confident that our collaboration holds immense and diverse potential. We aim to offer the residents of Bahrain unforgettable experiences throughout this year, showcasing the finest examples of Russian art.”

 As for the symphony, it included a selection of iconic Russian and European compositions. The Mariinsky Orchestra, one of Russia’s oldest ensembles, has a history spanning over two centuries, originating from the St. Petersburg Imperial Opera Orchestra.

The Russian Seasons will continue throughout the year with a diverse array of cultural events including ‘The Magic of Animation, presented by SMF Studio’ will be held on February 19 and 20, offering screenings, workshops, and lectures. On February 24, the Bahrain National Theatre will host the State Academic Honoured Dance Ensemble of Daghestan, Lezginka.

There will be two major performances in November- the globally renowned ballet ‘The Nutcracker’ will grace the stage of the Bahrain National Theatre, while the Ossipov National Academic Folk Instruments Orchestra of Russia will perform at the Cultural Hall, accompanied by a Bahraini folk band.